Four Years of Novel Reading | Page 5

or by the individual efforts of isolated readers, in some way the regular study of fiction must be set on foot. And this study of fiction will be, in its highest form, the study of life.
R. G. MOULTON.

FOUR YEARS OF NOVEL-READING
THE BACKWORTH CLASSICAL NOVEL-READING UNION
A BRIEF HISTORY
BACKWORTH forms part of a group of mining villages lying near to a north-eastern headland of the German Ocean, and is one of the many small industrial centres spreading like net-work throughout the great mining county of Northumberland. If any evidence were required of the immense improvement in industrial conditions, and of the general progress of the mining class, in this part of England, it would only be necessary to contrast Backworth with some of the older mining villages, decaying remnants of which are to be found, where active industry is no longer in progress. Its improved dwellings, commodious board schools, flourishing co-operative society, popular workmen's institute, and a number of other interests and advantages, are so many proofs of its general prosperity and happiness as compared with the life and conditions prevailing in mining communities thirty years ago.
When the great movement of University Extension was conceived and began its benignant career, it was almost natural tliat its earliest missionaries should find their way to Northumberland. Backworth, with many other places, associated itself with the scheme in these early days; but to Backworth alone belongs the distinction of having maintained an almost unbroken attachment for many years. It was during a course of University Extension lectures that the movement to which this brief history relates first took definite shape, and the " Classical Novel-Reading Union " had its birth.
The first course of lectures of a purely literary nature was delivered in the spring of 1890, and among other lessons taught was the importance of fiction as a wholesome and educational influence. It was soon discovered that although Backworth read fiction, it was not fiction of the best class; and there was no systematic study of the best works of the best authors, and scanty knowledge of the great classics of fiction which are among life's best text-books. This course of lectures was one of the most successful ever held in Backworth. It was followed by deep and intelligent interest, and awoke in many the first perceptions of the great educational value of literature; and when it was suggested that a society should be formed, the object of which should be the study of classical fiction, the project was received with an appreciation closely allied to enthusiasm.
The idea having been adopted, the principle, purpose, and plan of operation of the proposed society, were embodied in a circular as follows:

PRINCIPLE.
Literature is the science of life; and the great classical novels are among the best text-books of life. To study these is the true antidote to trashy and poisonous fiction.

PURPOSE.
The purpose of the Union is to encourage a course of systematic novel-reading, (1) at the rate of a novel a month; (2) to be taken up by ordinary readers and students, the former reading and talking about the novels, the latter meeting to discuss and do work.

PLAN OF OPERATION.
1. A post-card will be sent to every member at the beginning of the month announcing, (a) the novel chosen for the month; (b) a very brief suggestion from some competent literary authority of some leading points to be kept in view during the reading of the work; (c) the date and business of the first meeting.
2. All joining the Union undertake to read during the month the novel selected, and from time to time endeavor to turn conversation upon it.
3. All members are invited to attend, and (if they like) take part in the meetings of the Union. At the same time it is fully recognized that many more will undertake the reading than those able to attend the meetings or do work.
4. The business of the meetings will be, (1) the reading and discussion of papers (especially upon subjects connected with the suggestions made by the literary authority); (2) discussion of difficulties or queries started by members; or (3) formal debates upon questions arising out of the novel of the month.
5. There will be one meeting in the earlier half of each month; others during the month (if found desirable), by adjournment from the first, or by the appointment of the council. If practicable, meetings shall be held in various places in the district.

MEMBERSHIP AND GOVERNMENT.
1. The membership shall include local and distant members, the only pledge required being that they shall read the book selected for the month.
2. The Union to be governed by a president, vicepresidents, secretary, and a council of six, to be elected annually.
The chief duty of the latter shall be the selection of novels, and general oversight in the work of the